Wellbeing on returning to work 

Wellbeing on returning to work  employees with masks

Offices are beginning to open around the country, but many employees are understandably worried about the implications for social distancing and hygiene. A recent survey by Bupa found that 65% of British people are anxious about going back into the workplace in case it’s not safe in terms of COVID-19. For the physical as well as mental wellbeing of your staff, it is therefore essential to have robust safety measures in place to minimise risks and ensure everyone can work safely and productively, without feeling anxious. The government has published guidelines for offices and call centres with regard to hygiene measures to put in place in the light of the virus in addition to those to suit other sectors like gyms or restaurants.

The future of office working has been changed dramatically by the advent of COVID-19. Some companies have already decided to embrace remote working, and others are planning a hybrid of remote and office working, giving individuals the opportunity to find a work-life balance that will have a significant impact on their wellbeing. Fewer staff in the office at any one time will enable employers to rearrange the office layout to provide a great space to work in with greater social distancing and provide much-needed reassurance for employees – especially as no one knows how long it will be until we can co-work as we used to without the need to worry about the virus. 

Here are some practical steps you can take to enhance wellbeing in your office.

Deep clean

Before you open up the office, reassure your staff by employing a professional cleaning crew to undertake an antibacterial deep clean to get rid of viruses and bacteria. The addition of antimicrobial surface coatings and antibacterial door handle covers will also provide 24/7 protection in between regular cleans. You can also add antimicrobial spray to your air conditioners which will provide 12 months of protection against viruses and bacteria.

If your office has been closed for a few weeks or months, you also need to be aware of the potential dangers from the legionella bacteria in your air conditioning and water system. The bacteria thrives in stagnant water that’s between 20oC and 45oC, so a combination of no one being around to flush the water system on a daily basis and the hot weather means the bacteria could be thriving. Legionella testing is therefore a vital element of reassuring your staff it is safe for them to return to the office. 

Signage 

Signage provides important information to all staff about steps they need to take in certain areas, whether it’s a poster in the bathroom reminding them to wash their hands thoroughly for the recommended 20 seconds, floor stickers to indicate new ‘one way’ systems and to measure out two-metre distances, or roller banners with information about your new rules. 

Hygiene screens and sneeze guards

We are now familiar with the use of hygiene screens and sneeze guards, which are being used widely in shops and supermarkets to protect staff and customers. Protective screens and sneeze guards for office desks will provide added protection for everyone. They are made from clear vinyl, are hygienic and easy to clean, can be cleaned with bleach, and are quick and easy to fit. 

Cleaning regime

Your employees will probably want to take a more active role in cleaning the office when they are back, so make sure you’ve got enough office cleaning supplies that are easily accessible to enable them to clean and sanitise their working areas. 

It is also a good idea to provide antibacterial hand sanitiser in all areas to encourage good practice and keep hygiene standards high. 

Good hygiene practices will have knock-on effects on the health and wellbeing of your staff by limiting the chances of people spreading colds and flu. In New Zealand, where it is currently winter, there has been a significant drop in the number of people visiting their GPs with symptoms, and sales of over-the-counter cold remedies have also fallen, indicating there are fewer people being infected possibly due to Covid hygiene regimes. 

Looking after the health and wellbeing of your staff with robust hygiene measures that mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 will have knock-on benefits for your business. Employees who are physically and mentally healthy are more productive, which means that an investment in protective measures now will have a measurable impact on your ROI.

Bringing nature inside

The design of your office has a big effect on staff wellbeing. During lockdown, many of us reconnected with the natural world, finding calm in being surrounded by its colours, sights and sounds. More and more studies are discovering how beneficial the natural world is for our mental health. When it comes to the office, biophilic design uses natural elements to ‘bring the outside in’, which has positive effects on staff wellbeing.  

Communication

We know from experience that everyone has their own definition of ‘safe’, including how distanced their physical boundaries are, and how much they are prepared to respect the boundaries of others who may want to shield more robustly. To help everyone feel safe, it is important to clearly communicate your hygiene policy and social distancing measures, using signage as well as your usual communication methods such as emails, group chats and meetings. 

If any of your staff members are struggling with their mental health as a result of the pandemic, click here for a list of mental health charities providing support and information.